Apodaca and Davis were honored for their leadership role in legislation providing for all hospitals to test for blood alcohol concentration and for increased staffing in the state crime lab to process toxicology results.

“MADD thanks these lawmakers for their dedication and commitment to advancing MADD’s mission in North Carolina. MADD appreciates their tireless efforts to improving North Carolina’s DWI law and to working to save lives,” MADD National President Jan Withers stated in a news release issued Tuesday.

In 2013, Representatives Jordan, Jackson, and Faircloth were primary sponsors of H 536 that required ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. Senator Bill Rabon authored a similar measure with S 434.

"We can't prevent every road fatality, but every driving while impaired fatality is 100 percent preventable. Mandatory interlocks for all offenders is a policy worth continuing to fight for,” Jackson stated in the release. “We can prevent people from becoming repeat offenders. We can prevent someone from being able to start their car if they have been drinking. We can make a difference."

“It is an honor to be recognized by MADD – an organization I respect for its mission and commitment to stopping drunk driving. I’ll continue working alongside fellow legislators to help eliminate needless drunk driving tragedies and improve highway safety in North Carolina,” said Senator Rabon.

As part of MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk DrivingŪ that was launched in 2006, MADD advocates for laws requiring for all convicted drunken drivers to use an ignition interlock for at least six months. Prior to the Campaign, only one state (New Mexico), required ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. Today, 20 states require ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. North Carolina requires these devices for all repeat, refusals and first-time offenders with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 or greater.

Also in 2013, Davis and Apodaca authored SB 3 which provides for all hospitals to test for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and provides for 19 new toxicology positions. For years, the law enforcement community, hand-in-hand with MADD Western North Carolina, has campaigned for a full-service crime lab in the area. Up to 48 percent of DWI cases involving blood testing have been dismissed annually, due to the 2009 Melendez v Diaz ruling, along with inadequate resources at the state lab.

“It is both satisfying and an honor to have made a difference in drafting legislation to help," Davis said. “The real credit goes to those in the field who brought the issue to my attention and provided a practical remedy. I am proud to be associated with such remarkable public servants!"

“How fortunate we are in Western NC to have legislators who keep a close watch on public safety issues, listen to the needs and concerns of law enforcement officers and prosecutors and who show extraordinary compassion to crime victims,” said MADD Western North Carolina Chapter leader Ellen Pitt.